School News: May 2, 2017

May 2, 2017 | Rick Kerr

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

THIS WEEK

There are a lot of words used to describe someone whose faith is strong and whose Christian walk is a witness to all. One of my favorites is “steadfast”. This word is used in Scripture to describe a steadfast heart, a steadfast mind, a steadfast spirit, and steadfast ways. All of these references describe those who honor the Lord with their lives.

One of my favorite passages that uses “steadfast” however, is found in Peter’s First Letter. He says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (5:10).

Unlike other passages which often use the word to describe the characteristics of a Christian, this passage describes steadfastness as a gift. Did you notice? The steadfastness is not something that we work up within ourselves. Rather, it is a gift from God. It is His Holy Spirit who makes us steadfast.

Let’s continue to praise God for His love, especially the love showered on us when we do not deserve it. Let’s continue to thank Him for the gift of His Holy Spirit, and let’s pray that this Holy Spirit will bring steadfastness of faith and action into our lives this week.

SCHOOL NEWS

ACCELERATED READER ACHIEVEMENT

Congratulations to the following students who earned membership in a new AR Point Club during April:

Georgia A., Nicole D. (850 Pts. – Silver Club)

Malin B. (500 Pts. – Bronze Club)

Reese R. (100 Pts.)

Hunter F., Wyatt G., Cayden H. (25 Pts.)

VOTERS MEETING

Sunday, May 7 following the late services at 12:15 PM in the Dwelling Place. The purpose of this meeting is to extend a call for a principal.

The call committee will be presenting Mr. Joshua Swartz for the position of principal to the voters on Sunday. He is currently serving as principal at Grace Lutheran in Huntsville, AL.

PRE-ORDERED YEARBOOKS ARE BEING SENT HOME TODAY WITH STUDENTS

If you didn’t order one, they are available on a first come, first serve basis. They are $14, you may pay with a check or cash in the office. Make checks payable to St. John Lutheran School. If you are paying with cash, please bring the exact amount. Hurry while supplies last!

WALKATHON

Our walk will take place this Wednesday, May 3 after chapel. The dress code is relaxed so students can participate in the black and white dress day. Please check the weather and dress appropriately. It may be chilly.

UPPER GRADES PLAY

Everyone is invited to our production of “You’re Driving Me Crazy”, to be performed by a group of our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students this Friday, May 5 at 7 PM in the Dwelling Place. Come and enjoy this evening of comedy as our cast takes a humorous look at driving instruction.

MAY IS A BUSY MONTH

Your web site calendar shows the following activities at St. John in the month of May:

May 3 - Walk-A-Thon at 9 AM (Grades PK through 8)

May 4 - Preschool Walk-A-Thon

May 10 - Indians Baseball Game (Gr. 1-2-3-5-6-7-8)

May 17 - St. John Band Concert

May 19 - Awards for 8th Graders

May 19 - 8th Grade Graduation 7 PM (Class Trip following week)

May 24 - ECE Boxcar Race (AM)

May 24 - ECE Closing Program at 7 PM

May 24 - Grades 1-7 Awards at 1 PM

May 25 - Chapel at 8 AM, Closing Day Picnic – Full Day

ISTEP TESTING ATTENDANCE

ISTEP testing is complete in grades 3-8. Parents, thank you for your help in having your children on their testing dates.

INDIANS BASEBALL

Students in grades 1,2,3,5,6,7,8 will attend an Indianapolis Indians-Charlotte Knights baseball game at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 10. Please see the field trip form that will be sent home with your child for additional details. Buses will be provided for transportation to and from the game.

ART POSITION

Mrs. Paula Chappell, our art teacher since 2012, has informed us that she will not be returning to St. John for the next school year. We praise God for Mrs. Chappell’s gifts and her willingness to serve here at St John for the past five years. We wish her God’s blessings on her future.

We will begin a search soon for a new Art Teacher for 2017-2018. If you know of anyone with qualifications and experience in art education, please be sure to give that information to Mr. Kerr.

THANKS FOR SUPPORT

St. John received two checks in the last week which reflect the support of our families and friends. Kroger sent a check for $287, which reflect customers who have designated St John on their Kroger Plus cards. Boxtops for Education sent a check for $339, which reflects what has been collected since the beginning of the year. We appreciate your support.

IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

All bills for the 2016-17 school year will be posted to Fast Direct by May 22nd. Any combined balances on these accounts or SMART tuition accounts of $50.00 or more will result in report cards being held for that family. We will also hold school records for 8th graders. Please check your Fast Direct account by May 22nd and settle your accounts the last week of school. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Lori Reno Howard at 317-352-9196 or email me: .

PTL NEWS

LIGHTS NEEDED

We need black lights or outdoor decorative projector lights to borrow for the end of the year bash on Friday, May 12th. Any questions please contact Amy Miske or Nicole Hartley via Fast Direct.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

We are celebrating National Teacher Appreciation week this week May 1st - 5th. We are having a RACES theme - below is the daily breakdown.

We are off to the RACES in appreciation of our Teachers

Monday Raise your hand and give your teacher a high five

Tuesday Acknowledge your Teacher with their favorite treat

Wednesday Checker pattern the school – wear your black and white school or chapel appropriate clothes for LAPS; if students do not wear these clothes, they must be wearing school uniforms